What is World Bee Day?
It’s More Than Just Honey
When people think of bees, they first think of honey, flowers, or trying not to get stung by them. But bees are actually some of the hardest workers in the world, and we rely on them every day. If you love your seasonal fruit and vegetables from your local Farmer’s Market, you have bees and other pollinators to thank.
This is why every year on May 20, countries around the world celebrate World Bee Day. World Bee Day is an international observance dedicated to raising awareness about why bees and pollinators are so important, and to bring attention to growing environmental threats, like subdivisions and logging, that are making them disappear.
Where Did World Bee Day Come From?
World Bee Day was started by the United Nations in 2017. World Bee Day was given the date May 20 because it was the birthday of Anton Janša, an 18th-century Slovenian beekeeper who is recognized as one of the pioneers of modern beekeeping.
According to the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization, World Bee Day was created to help people better understand how important bees are and what role they play in food production, agriculture, biodiversity, and healthy ecosystems.
This means that bees don't just hang out in our gardens. They help to support the foods many North Carolina families eat every day. So if you eat strawberries, cucumbers, blueberries, pumpkins, apples, squash, tomatoes, and watermelons, then you should definitely thank a bee.
Why This Matters in Franklin and Granville Counties
Agriculture is a major part of local life here in Franklin and Granville Counties. From backyard gardens and produce stands to local farms and seasonal harvests, pollinators silently support many of the crops and ecosystems our counties depend on.
Our local beekeepers say that the bee population faces growing challenges from habitat loss, pesticides, disease, climate-related changes, and rapid development that removes natural pollinator habitats.
Organizations like the Granville County Beekeepers Association are working to help keep the community residents informed.
According to Christi Henthorn with Wuerker Bee Apiary, the organization was created more than 20 years ago to support local beekeepers and educate the public.
“We aim to connect Beekeepers and provide education for our members to become successful beekeepers,” Henthorn said. “We also love to educate the public regarding pollination, swarms, honey, and other bits of Bee information.”
How You Can Get Involved Locally
Now you may be thinking, how can I get involved if I'm not a beekeeper? But you don’t have to be a beekeeper to help out and spread awareness.
Things like planting a pollinator garden, reducing pesticide use, buying local honey, and preserving flowering spaces can make a huge difference.
Residents can also learn more through local organizations and events happening right here in the area.
The Granville County Beekeepers Association will have its Bee Jubilee event on June 27 in Oxford, featuring more than 100 vendors, pollinator education activities, a kids' art contest, a scavenger hunt, a honey show, and opportunities for families to learn directly from local beekeepers.
There will also be a “Year of Honey” raffle fundraiser featuring local North Carolina honey and hive products.
Meanwhile, residents in Franklin County can also connect with pollinator education opportunities through local beekeeping groups and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
The Bigger Picture
World Bee Day may only happen once a year, but the mission to protect pollinators continues long after. It's not just about flowers and honey. It’s about protecting local agriculture, food systems, gardens, ecosystems, and the future sustainability of rural communities like Franklin and Granville Counties.
